F. A. Sheeley to Richard Yates

Prairie, City, Ills. Jan. 22nd, 1864

Gov. Yats

Sir. I have heard that theare is too young men in the U. S. Prison in Springfield as Spies. By the name of Geo and Barnhart, Gilbert, I have too Cousins By that name that Started to the armey about one month or more ago they was Enlisted by Randolph Of Macon McComb McDonough Co

If the above is true please let me know how they cam theare & when theare trile will be & what Evidence theare is aganst them. I have bean with them freakently for the last Sumer & I nevr Saw eny thing about them but what was true to the old Flag. Please ansor Soon

Yours Fraternaly.

F. A. Sheeley

See Col Oakes about these boys & suggest to him I think they, if here, had better be released. & if he releases them write writer hereof. I suppose they were detained upon suspicion that they were spies

Sheeley. F. A.

Prairie City. Ills.

Jany 22nd 1864

Has heard of two young men of the names of Geo & Barnhard Gilbert being Confined in prison at Springfield under the Charge of being Spies, and having two Cousins of those names. desires to Know when they will be tried and on what evidence.

See memorandum within & attend to soon.

These men were discharged 10 days ago. Feby 4th 1864.

Executive Office Feby 2 64